Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning’s End

I’m sure most of you remember the one hit wonder “Closing Time” by the band Semisonic, right? In that song there is a line that states, “every
new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end…” Well very recently I took
a new job in the Richmond, Virginia area and with that, my time as the Chicago
Dark Horse has come to an end. However all is not lost…there is a new beginning…

I’m very excited and honored that I will still be able to blog
for the HRN team and I will be able to branch out a bit and cover more racing
other than just my hometown tracks in Chicago! Don’t get me wrong though,
Arlington and Hawthorne are still my favorite!

In addition to covering racing on more of a national scale,
I’ll also be able to cover the Colonial Downs meet this summer for all of you
there at my new home track! I’ve never been to that track, but from what I
understand they have some amazing turf racing. As usual, the Virginia Derby
($500,000) remains the marquee race and they also have the Virginia Oaks, The
Colonial Turf Cup, and a day featuring the best of Virginia-bred runners called
the Commonwealth Turf Fest! So for those of you who like turf racing, stay
tuned… I don’t know many Virginia-bred horses in history, but one of them really
stands out. What was his name again? Secretar-i-a-something….?

Alas as I look back to the (mid)west, I must say that I
enjoyed many, many excellent years at Arlington and Hawthorne. I want to give a
special thank you to Jim Miller, Dave Zenner, Joe Kristufek, Dave Miller, Ron
Uchman, Marcus Hersh, Peter Galassi, Tim Ice, Janine Starykowicz, and Brian W.
Spencer for being a great partner, teaching me a lot, affording me a ton of
life-changing opportunities, and for putting up with my shenanigans in the
press box and paddock!

You are going to love all the turf racing at your new home!!I can never watch this without shedding a tear and thinking..I just saw history and I doubt it will ever be seen again in my lifetime..Good Luck Dark Horse!!